Chapter 1023: Chapter 979: It’s a trap, let’s see you jump

Chen Xi’s conditions were too lenient. Aside from having to attack Youzhou to prove sincerity, there were no other conditions. As for capturing Youzhou, a certain amount of time for usage rights would be enough for Gongsun Du to supplement all his needs in Youzhou.

“Are you suspicious that I have some bad intentions?” Chen Xi casually remarked to Liangg Mao, noting that being too merciful can sometimes be a drawback.

“Mao dares not.” Liangg Mao replied, lowering his head.

“It’s a matter of not daring, rather than not being!” Chen Xi was not bothered by Liangg Mao’s words, commenting indifferently, “To be precise, allowing him to capture Youzhou and own Youzhou is just letting his ambition grow. I’m curious if General Gongsun, who is unsettled in Liaodong, might become arrogant if he acquires Youzhou?”

Chen Xi’s words made Liangg Mao break out in a cold sweat. He believed Chen Xi was telling the truth; without those fifty thousand veteran soldiers, Gongsun Du might really consider his strength significantly increased, and if he pretends to act compliantly with Liu Bei, isn’t that handing the knife handle to the opponent?

“So, Bofang, remember to convey the message. I’m not the type to fuss over every detail; I’ll let go whenever possible and will not make things difficult for you, but if there’s a death wish!” A trace of evil qi flashed in Chen Xi’s eyes. Having been on the battlefield, with thousands dying at his hand, how could he not have evil qi!

Chen Xi’s chilling words left a deep impression on Liangg Mao. Without this reminder, Gongsun Du might capture Youzhou and then settle there. Having owned a state, it’s absolutely impossible not to be tempted by other thoughts, and that would be his doom!

Moreover, having left Liaodong and without veteran soldiers, with only one hundred thousand new recruits, they would surely collapse at the slightest touch with no environmental advantage. Gongsun Du would have nowhere to run, dying a helpless death.

“I’ve said all I need to say, and I think Bofang has made up his own mind, so don’t disappoint me, although even if I’m disappointed it wouldn’t pose any issues.” Chen Xi’s calm gaze chilled Liangg Mao to the bone.

“Thank you, Marquis Chen, for your guidance. Mao will soon give you a reply, and please trust this reply will satisfy you.” Liangg Mao deeply exhaled, suppressing his complex emotions.

This is an open strategy. Everything is under the control of the Gongsun Clan of Liaodong, but what passing standard constitutes adequacy? How should this be grasped, the level of contribution in attacking Youzhou, the degree when occupying Youzhou, even the extent of Gongsun Clan’s behavior when Liu Bei reclaims Youzhou–each has a standard, a very difficult one to grasp.

Coincidentally, the helm of the Gongsun Clan of Liaodong is now named Gongsun Du, but whether he can grasp this standard remains unknown.

“Hopefully.” Chen Xi said calmly.

Chen Xi doesn’t care about the extent Gongsun Du would go to. If he understands the situation, the previous matters could be treated as non-existent, and Gongsun Du would naturally act prudently in the future.

If unaware of the situation, as Liangg Mao thought, Liu Bei would naturally deal with Gongsun Du. Although he’s signed a truce agreement with Yuan Tan, there’s none with Gongsun Du. Already severely depleted by then, Gongsun Du would be far easier to deal with compared to capturing the Youzhou occupied by Yuan Tan.

Giving Youzhou to Gongsun Du was itself a test; if he fails this, it indicates that Gongsun Du still hasn’t corrected his mindset, and without a corrected mindset, Gongsun Du will inevitably become a problem.

To this extent, the two sides have basically reached an agreement, the remainder being the signing of a document, though it may not even require signing a document, depending on Liangg Mao’s own choice.

“Marquis Chen, I think we don’t need to sign any documents. Given Marquis Chen’s disposition, I assure you whatever needs to be handled has been handled, without any omissions. Once I return to Liaodong, the Gongsun Clan will naturally deploy troops.” Liangg Mao had become completely calm, having thoroughly thought things through.

“If you don’t want to sign, then there’s no need. When trouble arises later, we won’t hesitate.” Chen Xi replied indifferently, leaving Liangg Mao somewhat helpless.

“Since we’ve decided to rely on Lord Xuande, I think excessive precautions aren’t advisable; opening our hearts would allow us to breathe better.” Liangg Mao observed Chen Xi’s unwavering calmness. He had decided to fully side with Liu Bei, “I suppose Marquis Chen won’t mind if I travel under Lord Xuande’s governance.”

“Use your own eyes to witness, the final conclusion will reassure you more.” Chen Xi didn’t answer directly, knowing what Liangg Mao wanted to see, and he wouldn’t specifically disguise anything; let him see if he wishes.

“Thank you, Marquis Chen, for your understanding.” Liangg Mao said stoically. Having committed thoroughly to Liu Bei, he needed to ascertain what kind of strength Liu Bei really possessed, knowing the battlefield information they acquired was solely provided by Liu Bei’s side; though joking in such matters is unlikely.

“Understanding or not doesn’t matter. In fact, I also need someone from another force to evaluate the situation under Lord Xuande. We’ve become incapable of properly evaluating ourselves.” Chen Xi spoke calmly, not noticing the glint that flashed in Liangg Mao’s eyes upon hearing Chen Xi’s reference to Lord Xuande.

Liangg Mao opened his mouth but stopped, exhibiting a silent demeanor, eyes observing the nose, nose observing the heart.

“I am quite young, with a heavy curiosity. No need to pretend; if you wish to know something, just ask, I’ll tell whatever isn’t crucial.” Chen Xi glanced at Liangg Mao’s expression, casually remarking.

“I want to know what would have happened if I hadn’t come today, or if we had allied with Yuan Tan?” Liangg Mao asked a rather peculiar question.

“First, you’ve come. Second, we won cleanly and decisively; neither you nor those behind you wish to die.” Chen Xi slowly raised two fingers, explaining.

“I asked a pointless question, but still thank you, Marquis Chen, for the clarification.” Liangg Mao respectfully said, acknowledging the irrelevance of his query.

“Hehehehe.” Chen Xi chuckled coldly a couple of times, perhaps feeling the lack of interest, casting a glance at Gongsun Gong, “Don’t know if Brother Gongsun will also travel under Lord Xuande with Governor Liangg?”

It so happens that Gongsun Gong is actually slightly older than Chen Xi, yet he was extremely respectful and humble in front of Chen Xi, just as Fa Zheng had said before, Chen Xi, at his age, had already reached the peak, and could even compete with so-called older peers without losing ground.

Gongsun Gong was stunned, completely unable to comprehend why Chen Xi, who previously didn’t regard him as significant, suddenly shifted the topic to him.

“Of course, wherever Bofang goes, I shall follow.” Gongsun Gong hesitated before speaking, clearly sneaking a glance at Liangg Mao, but Liangg Mao couldn’t give him a hint, thus he gave a vague reply.

(To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to visit Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.wuxiaworld.site for reading.)